Obligatory vs. mandatory: what’s the difference?
The short answer
Obligatory often relates to moral, social, or customary expectations and might suggest something commonly accepted or expected, while mandatory tends to refer to rules, laws, or official requirements that enforce compliance.
What they have in common
Both words obligatory and mandatory describe something that is required or must be done. They both imply a lack of choice or option in completing the task or following the directive.
Examples
obligatory
- Attendance at the meeting is obligatory.
- He failed to complete the obligatory steps in the process.
mandatory
- Wearing a helmet is mandatory for safety reasons.
- The course includes mandatory training for all employees.
Which one is more common?
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